CJRL Miracle Marathon Hits the Airwaves Tomorrow

A big weekend for the Salvation Army's Christmas Cheer Campaign in Kenora.

The 21st annual CJRL Miracle Marathon will be broadcast tomorrow and Saturday on 895 The Lake.

Major Al Hoeft says he's looking forward to his first Miracle Marathon.

The Miracle Marathon has averaged over 80 thousand dollars a year in donations of cash, non-perishable food items and toys for the Kenora

 Salavation Army.

Meeting on Sewer and Water Rates set for next Month

Local homeowners will get a chance to air their views on a proposed 10 percent increase in sewer and water rates next month.

The city is holding a meeting on the Water and Wastewater long range plan on December 5th.

The city says no decisions will be made at the meeting, but it will be a chance to exchange information with the public.

The meeting will take place from 7:30 to 9:00 in the Rotary Room at the Kenora Rec. Center

Main Street Christmas Tree Lights up tonight

The Kenora Business Improvement Zone is getting into the Christmas Spirit.

It will be celebrating the lighting of the Main Street Christmas Tree this evening.

Chair of the B.I.Z., Kerik Funk says there will be lots of activities both before and after the actual lighting ceremony.

Carol singing will begin at 5:30, followed by the lighting of the Christmas Tree at 6:00.

Campbell Delivers Maiden Speech at Queen's Park

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell has given her maiden speech in the Ontario Legislature.

Campbell says she wants the Liberal government to improve its relations with First Nations communities.

She says a recent decision by the K-I band to walk away from talks with government over mining rights shows its current policies aren't working

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kathleen Wynne says remain committed to a respective and ongoing dialogue with native communities

Saints open OFSAA championships with a pair of victories

The Thomas Aquinas senior boys volleyball team is two for two at the All-Ontario Single "a" championships taking place on Manitoulin Island.

The Saints shut down University of Toronto Schools this afternoon in two straight sets.

In their first match they got by the host team from Espanola two sets to one.

T.A. is back in action tomorrow morning at 7:30 against Smithville, before wrapping up the round robin with a game against Toronto District Christian High School.

Meanwhile, the Thomas Aquinas Senior Girls basketball team is in action at the OFSAA single A championships taking place in St. Catherines.

The 16th Ranked Saints are playing their first game against the 6th ranked team in the tournament, Jean Vanier from Welland.

Children's Mental Health Leader

A new position for the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board has been filled.

Lisa Doerksen has been hired as the Children's Mental Health Leader.

She will be in charge of coordinating services, identifying levels of need and developing a regional strategy.

Doerksen is currently the Director of Children's Mental Health Services for Firefly.

The Public Board was one of eight in Ontario to receive funding from the Province for the position.

Kenora Youth Council

A big thank-you is going out to Kenora City Council for creating the city's first youth council.


Mitch Frenette made a deputation to council this week showing his appreciation.

Frenette says its a new beginning for youth in the community.

The youth council will begin meeting in the new year and the city is currently seeking five people to help make up the new committee.

Thomas Aquinas Sports

Thomas Aquinas sports teams are gunning for medals at two separate provincial

championships today.

The Saints Senior Boys go into the OFSAA Single "a" volleyball championships
ranked second overall.

T.A. won silver last year, and open the tournament this morning at 7:30 against
one of the host teams from Espanola.

Meanwhile, the Thomas Aquinas senior girls basketball team is in St. Catharines
for the All-Ontario Single "a" championships.

The Saints are ranked 16th out of 16 teams in the competition and play their
first game at 3:00 this afternoon against Jean Vanier from Welland.

Resolute Forest Products

Resolute Forest Products is reducing its paper-making operations in Fort Frances for the rest of the
year.

The company cites poor market conditions for the five-week shutdown of its paper machines that starts next week.

About 100 employees will be impacted.

Operations at the kraft mill are not effected.

It's the third work stoppage at the paper mill this year